Land of Oz

America's Got Talent

This wasn't too bad a show. Obviously it had its highs and lows. They picked the winner last night, some eleven year old singer. I was definitely in agreement with the top three, but I think one of the other two acts should've won.

Here's some stuff I liked and didn't like about the show. I don't like the idea that the top three acts were all "ordinary" acts. Let's face it, female singers and Celtic bands aren't all that rare. There are many other shows that are trying to find some singer or another, American Idol, Pop Star, and others are all set up for singers. To my mind, the Celtic band and the yodeler are a little bit harder to find. A plain female singer, no matter how young and talented is just one of several thousands out there.

I think there's a need for Pierce. A lot of this thought is probably because I found him saying almost exactly the same thoughts I was having as I watched the act. Brandy and "The Hoff" (of all nicknames) seemed much too nice and uncritical to be judges. One good example is his ongoing feud with the quick-change acts. Yes, they were very good and I don't have really know how they did it - however, all three of their appearances were basically exactly the same; one wig change, one guy change, change in a banner, change through a box or in a bag, change in a hoop, and duck under confetti. Three times. Yes, a singer sings, but the winners changed their act. And the Millers. Yes, I know he's your brother, but ditch the singer or at least push him way back into the background - he isn't that good - but your harmonica playing is cosmic.

Some final thoughts: I'm really glad rappin' granny didn't make it - thankfully, she didn't even finish in the top five. I was worried for a bit when they first broke them up. And the dude catching the bar with his feet!! Wow! That impressed me. The last magician was almost too polished and slick to be in this kind of show. Had he swapped his 2nd and 3rd show, I think he might have had a better chance. The Celtic folks were so-so good. There was a finely tuned team performance. The overheads always showed them right in line. Lee on the piano - great, but take a couple more years to age - and don't sing (or yell). At Last and the southern cloggers, you both blew this last performance - the one that counted. Your previous performance was so much better.

Lastly, less plain singers and more variety. If you want to sing go on American Idle.